This month’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool should be played at Goodison Park rather than a neutral venue, according to the city’s mayor Joe Anderson.

The two clubs are due to meet one another behind closed doors at 7pm on Sunday June 21 in one of the first fixtures following the Premier League’s resumption.

Liverpool could potentially secure the title against their city rivals if Manchester City lose at home to Arsenal the preceding Wednesday.

This factor and the potential for supporters to congregate outside Goodison Park in contravention of social distancing rules have led to suggestions the derby should be played on neutral territory.

The fixture was on a list of ‘high risk’ games drawn up by police chiefs last month and Anderson himself has said restarting the season was a ‘non-starter’ because fans wouldn’t stay away.

However, Anderson now believes the match could safely be staged at Goodison Park.

‘We are in a better place than we were four weeks ago and we’ve been able to convey why it’s so important nobody congregates outside or near grounds,’ he told The Athletic.

‘We have had the opportunity since then to speak to fans and the clubs have done their part and got the message across that supporters need to stay away.

Both clubs have made it clear. [Liverpool manager] Jurgen Klopp has made it clear.

‘So I would have no objection to the games being played at our clubs’ home grounds, both the derby at Goodison and Liverpool’s games at Anfield.’

Liverpool, who are 25 points clear of second-placed City as it stands, still have home fixtures to play against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Burnley and Liverpool.

Merseyside Police have stated they have no objections to the derby being played at Goodison and the matter will be discussed at a meeting of Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group on Monday.

Anderson added that the ‘R’ rate of coronavirus infection has moved above one per cent in Liverpool, something which could yet jeopardise fixtures being held in the city.

He added: ‘Clearly that is a big concern – but if people abide by what we are asking them to do, the games should be alright.’

SOURCE:- allfootballapp